Formentera June 2008

Pictures from a visit to Formentera in late June 2008.

Formentera has changed in so many respects. The visitors I used to see have been replaced by large numbers of people with different cultures and values. Businesses have grown or been taken over and become impersonal. The friendly and relaxed island of 'My Formentera', http://www.pbase.com/davel/formbeauty is still there, but it's harder to find - mainly only in the early mornings and late evenings.

From some of your comments below, it seems that others are feeling the same disappointment. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy the pictures, Dave.

The trick with Formentera is to visit out of season. Have just returned from a short break at the end of May 2009. The place was quiet, relatively empty. However, the first of the annual Italian invasion had begun. But most of all the roads were empty of both mopeds and rental cars. Do not deny that the island has "developed" in recent years with La Sabina harbour playing host to larger and larger private boats. However, go over to Ibiza and the deterioration in Formentera life has to be put in perspective. Out again in early July, as have a property on the island to enjoy the cycling opportunities, freedom on the beaches [just do not visit the obvious hotspots] and the fabulous aqua-marine waters

I am from the US, and really enjoyed your photos. I thought how lucky you are to be able to travel there. I wish I could go with you. I looked at your pictures and imagined that my head would look like the girl in the movie "The Exorcist" because it would be spinning around and around! LOL Then I read the comments, and it saddened me that this beautiful spot was disappointing so many people. Sad, but from my perspective, it certainly looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

Mike and Debbie

15-Aug-2008 07:35

Dave
We know what you mean. Just returned after two weeks amongst the Italian Fashion Brigade. The naturist side of the island has certainly been compromised by this influence. We still found quiet spots but what a difference. We were last there in Sept 1999 and what a change was waiting for us, the place is over run with scooters and quad bikes. The peace has gone but not the natural beauty. We still love it and will definitely visit again.

Alex (Barcelona)

14-Aug-2008 16:11

One more time excellent photos. Congratulations Davel. This is the first year i can't visit Formentera, always planned last week of may, and now I'm very worried. Please could be more specific with your fellings of dissappointment. Why only in early mornings and late evenings could be find the friendly and relaxed island? What is changing in my favourite island? This album seems like a textile invasion? Where are the friendly nudists?

Guest

11-Aug-2008 16:11

Great photographs Dave, and we will be there again in September, but after several years we think this will be our last visit. The island culture has changed dramatically over the past few years, and prices have gone through the roof. In the current economic climate, which is affecting all of Europe, Formentera could soon face a downward slide and lose forever their long standing loyal visitors who don't have unlimited funds and are tempted away to less costly locations. A great shame, as Formentera was a nice individual place with it's own charm, but now that appears to be lost forever.

Doc D

09-Aug-2008 14:27

Your introductory comment ('Formentera has changed in so many respects (...)') certainly reflected our experience this year. This was the first time that we had visited in high season (late July/early Aug.), and what we encountered bore little resemblance to what I had previously known (regular visitor for last c. 30 years). In Astbury properties on Migjorn, the British customers were in a distinct minority, with the majority consisting of mainland Spaniards bringing with them cultural practices which made quiet relaxation as good as impossible. Venturing onto the roads was in essence to take one's life into one's hands, and the general feeling of sullen exploitation by the island's businesses was extremely strong. I fear that we too, after so many years, may also be obliged to seek a new destination in 2009...

Janneke, thanks for your comment. My next visit is planned for late September. Dave.

Janneke (Netherlands)

06-Aug-2008 15:36

Love your pictures!
I've been a Formentera last april, I see it's much more busy in june... I think we did the right thing, going there early in the season. The water may have been cold, but the quitness was very nice :)
When will you be visiting the island again? I look forward to your pic's!

Guest

02-Jul-2008 19:56

Great photos as ever Dave, you really do this beautiful island justice.

Guest

29-Jun-2008 20:36

Thanks for the photos. We'll be there in a month. Formentera looks great - as always.